Abstract: The present invention includes an article of manufacture or device, or related system, comprising a heterogeneous surface for selective analyte sensing or separation. Such an article can comprise a surface member and a plurality of spaced components extending therefrom and coupled thereto, such a surface member and spaced components providing a surface heterogeneity selected from different electrostatic interactions, different non-electrostatic interactions and a combination of such interactions, such that the interactions are at least partially sufficient for selective analyte interaction and/or separation. Each such component extension can be of a nanometer dimension about the Debye length of a medium comprising an analyte particle exposed to such a surface. An analyte particle, optionally of a mixture of particles, can be dimensioned from about 30 nm to 20 ?m.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel, simple and reliable methods for extraction of fat soluble vitamins (FSVs) from a sample matrix obtained from food products (e.g., vitamin-enriched foods and fortified food matrices) or biological samples. In certain aspects, the invention provides solid phase extraction (SPE) methods. In certain embodiments, the invention relates to two-step elution methods, which provide excellent recovery of all fat-soluble vitamins from complicated food matrices (such as, vitamin-enriched foods and fortified food products) or biological samples in a simultaneous manner. In certain embodiments, the invention uses OASIS® materials as sorbent beds for separating and/or extracting FSVs from the sample matrix.

Abstract: A method of separating petroleum samples containing a hydrocarbon-soluble elemental species of interest to facilitate analysis of an elemental and/or isotopic signature. A petroleum sample is mixed with a demulsifier and separated, for example by centrifuging, into one or more intermediate organic fractions. The intermediate organic fraction(s) are mixed with a solvent such as water and a second demulsifier, then separated into one or more prepared organic fractions and one or more solvent-based fractions. Some or all of the resulting fractions are then stored for possible further processing. Optionally, the petroleum sample may be spiked with one or more of an organic standard and an inorganic standard, and the solvent may likewise be spiked with an inorganic internal standard, to facilitate later analysis.

Abstract: A sampling device is disclosed. The sampling device includes a labyrinth structure and a sampling tube. The labyrinth structure includes a first baffle plate, a second baffle and a third baffle plate. The second baffle plate in combination with the first baffle plate defines an inlet channel and is configured to receive a portion of oil aerosol containing liquid oil particles. A curved bend is included downstream of the inlet channel and is configured to separate the liquid oil particles from the portion of oil aerosol. The third baffle plate is relatively inclined with respect to the first baffle plate. The third baffle plate in combination with the first baffle plate is configured to drain the separated liquid oil particles. The sampling tube provides the portion of oil aerosol separated of liquid oil particles to a detection device.

Abstract: A specimen kit having a tiny chamber is disclosed for a specimen preparation for TEM. The space height of the chamber is far smaller than dimensions of blood cells and therefore is adapted to sort nanoparticles from the blood cells. The specimen prepared under this invention is suitable for TEM observation over a true distribution status of nanoparticles in blood. The extremely tiny space height in Z direction eliminates the possibility of aggregation of the nanoparticles and/or agglomeration in Z direction during drying; therefore, a specimen prepared under this invention is suitable for TEM observation over the dispersion and/or agglomeration of nanoparticles in a blood.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for processing a liquid test sample includes using a needle assembly to introduce a first flow of gas through an inlet in the needle assembly into a container containing a liquid test sample and to provide an outlet from the container through the needle assembly, separating at least one volatile component from the sample in a gas and liquid separator using the first flow of gas, adsorbing the at least one volatile component onto a trapping material to provide at least one adsorbed component, and releasing the at least one adsorbed component from the trapping material to provide at least one released component.

Abstract: A device for sampling chemical compounds from fixed surfaces and related methods are disclosed. The device may include a vacuum source, a chamber and a sorbent material. The device may utilize vacuum extraction to volatilize the chemical compounds from a fixed surface so that they may be sorbed by the sorbent material. The sorbent material may then be analyzed using conventional thermal desorption/gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (TD/GC/MS) instrumentation to determine presence of the chemical compounds. The methods may include detecting release and presence of one or more chemical compounds and determining the efficacy of decontamination. The device may be useful in collection and analysis of a variety of chemical compounds, such as residual chemical warfare agents, chemical attribution signatures and toxic industrial chemicals.

Abstract: A self-propelled apparatus for analyzing a component contained in a fluid medium. The self-propelled apparatus uses kinetic energy of the apparatus to drive a fluid under analysis through the apparatus. This is accomplished by use of a conveyance system that is attached to the analytical system of the apparatus. A sensor system is used to analyze the component collected within the confines of an analysis chamber, a part of the analysis system. The invention also includes a method of using the analytical apparatus.

Abstract: This disclosure relates in general to systems and methods for spot checking flow properties of a multiphase mixture containing one or more hydrocarbons flowing through a pipeline or the like. More specifically, but not by way of limitation, embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for creating slug-type flows of isokinetically obtained samples of the multiphase mixture flow. By spot checking the slug-type flow of an isokinetically obtained sample of the multiphase flow, embodiments of the present invention may provide for determining flow properties of gas, oil/condensate and/or water components of the multiphase flow. In certain aspects of the present invention, an active sampling device may be used to enrich one of the phases of the slug-type flow of the sampled multiphase mixture and/or take a representative sample of one of the phases of the slug-type flow of the sampled multiphase mixture.

Abstract: Some embodiments relate to an apparatus for metallic particulate detection. The apparatus comprises: an entry stage defining an input chamber to receive an element having particulate matter thereon; a sensor defining a passage in fluid communication with the input chamber to receive the particulate matter from the input chamber and to detect the particles in the particulate matter; a vented recovery stage defining a recovery chamber to receive and capture at least some of the particulate matter passing through the passage; and at least one air outlet positioned in the input chamber to direct pressurized air from the at least one air outlet to impinge on the element to remove the particulate matter from the element.

Abstract: A device for sampling surfaces for the presence of compounds is provided, including a housing having a proximal end adapted to receive it negative pressure gradient and a distal end adapted to contact the surfaces; a heating element spaced from the distal end; a primary filter spaced from the heating element; and a secondary filter spaced from the primary filter, the secondary filter removably received by the housing. Also provided is as method for sampling a surface for the presence of compounds, the method including contacting the surface to dislodge the compounds from the surface; capturing first fractions of the compounds with a primary filter while allowing second fractions of the compounds to pass through the primary filter; heating the primary filter to volatilize the first fractions; capturing the volatized first fractions and the second fractions with a secondary filter; and analyzing the secondary filter to identify the compounds.

Abstract: Certain aspects and examples are directed to sorbent devices and methods of using them. In certain embodiments, a sorbent device comprising a body comprising a sampling inlet, a base and a longitudinal diffusion path between the inlet and the base is provided. In some embodiments, the sorbent device can include at least two sorbent materials fluidically coupled to the longitudinal diffusion path, in which the sorbent materials are arranged from a material with a weakest sorbent strength to a material with a strongest sorbent strength with the weakest sorbent strength material adjacent to the sampling inlet.

Abstract: A submersible, self-propelled apparatus for analyzing a component contained in a liquid medium. The submersible, self-propelled apparatus uses kinetic energy of the apparatus to drive a liquid under analysis through the apparatus. This is accomplished by use of a conveyance system that is attached to the analytical system of the apparatus. A sensor system is used to analyze the component collected within the confines of an analysis chamber, a part of the analysis system. The invention also includes a method of using the analytical apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fecal specimen collector. The fecal specimen collector consisting of a top cover, a bottle body, a specimen output end and a bottom cover, wherein a lower portion of the top cover forms a sampling end which may be inserted into the bottle body through an upper end of the bottle body, the top cover is connected with the upper end of the bottle body, the specimen output end is hermetically coupled with a lower portion of the bottle body, and the bottom cover surrounds the specimen output end and couples to the bottle body, wherein a convex is formed on the inner center of the bottom cover, and is inserted into a specimen output port of the specimen output end. The fecal specimen collector according to the present application has a small and delicate structure which has the advantages of easy operation, convenient portability and pollution free, etc.

Abstract: This disclosure relates in general to robust and efficient methods and systems for obtaining a sample of a liquid or gas phase from a multiphase mixture flowing in a pipeline, where the multiphase mixture comprises oil and/or a gaseous hydrocarbon and the pipeline is configured for the transport of the oil and/or gaseous hydrocarbon. In certain aspects of the present invention, after obtaining the sample of the liquid or gas phase of the multiphase mixture, sensing devices, meters, sensor systems or the like may be used to analyze the properties of the collected liquid phase sample.

Abstract: A method and tube for separating a sample. The tube is configured to separate agglomerated or clumped material or other sample components having over a particular size from other smaller size portions of the sample. For example, blood clots may be separated from serum of a blood sample. The tube includes a chamber with a closed bottom and a sidewall extending upwardly from the bottom, and a sample inlet branch coupled to the chamber. A slit is positioned between the chamber and the sample inlet branch so that after a sample is placed into the sample inlet branch, a portion of the sample having a size smaller than the slit (e.g., liquid material) passes through the slit and into the chamber, and material in the sample having a size larger than the slit remains in the sample inlet branch.

Abstract: A method of extracting an analyte from a sample is described where the sample includes water. The sample and polymeric drying agent are added to a container. The polymeric drying agent includes a cationic monomer, an anionic monomer, and a crosslinker. The polymeric drying agent is configured to sorb water from the sample.

Abstract: An aerosol sampling intake configured to exclude particles generally greater than 20 microns AD and capture particles of less than about 10 microns AD with high efficiency, independent of weather conditions, through which air is sampled by suction. The intake combines an omnidirectional horizontal segment with diffuser and elbow, the elbow transitioning flow to a vertical segment, the vertical segment with overhanging lip, the centrifugal impactor for self-cleaning operation, thus relieving the dual problems of re-entrainment of particles bouncing from the impactor surface and fouling by particles sticking to the impactor surface. The device is adapted for use on moving vehicles, for sampling at increased windspeeds, or for sampling in rain.

Abstract: A system of sampling a fluid comprises a fluid separator having a central axis. The fluid separator includes an insulating sleeve. In addition the fluid separator includes a separator assembly coaxially disposed within the sleeve. Further, the fluid separator includes an annulus radially disposed between the sleeve and the separator assembly. The separator assembly includes a conduit, a support rod coaxially disposed within the conduit, and a plurality of separator members coupled to the support rod within the conduit.

Abstract: A test system for taking a sample of a constituent on a surface utilizing a fluid source includes an upper body and a concomitant mating lower body that includes an aperture in a portion thereof. A central fiber portion and a support extend through upper body aperture to provide a consistent surface for contacting the surface to be tested.

Abstract: Technology is presented for the high efficiency concentration of fine and ultrafine airborne particles into a small fraction of the sampled airflow by condensational enlargement, aerodynamic focusing and flow separation. A nozzle concentrator structure including an acceleration nozzle with a flow extraction structure may be coupled to a containment vessel. The containment vessel may include a water condensation growth tube to facilitate the concentration of ultrafine particles. The containment vessel may further include a separate carrier flow introduced at the center of the sampled flow, upstream of the acceleration nozzle of the nozzle concentrator to facilitate the separation of particle and vapor constituents.

Abstract: A plasma sample collection device includes an elongated blood separation strip having a constant width and a relatively narrower end portion. A support base is located under the plasma separator strip and a cover is positioned superincumbent with respect to the blood separator strip. The cover defines an elongated observation window extending along the length of the plasma separator strip. An oblong collection port is adjacent to but spaced from one end of the observation window. The oblong collection port exposes the separator strip end portion and has a chief axis substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the blood separation strip. In one embodiment, the collection port has a teardrop configuration, and in another embodiment it has an obovate-cuneate configuration.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus for counting components, the apparatus including: a separating part separating a plurality of components into individual components; pipes moving the components separated by the separating part therethrough; a counting part positioned on the pipes to count the components passing through the pipes; and a vacuum sucking part positioned at distal ends of the pipes. Therefore, it is possible to accurately and rapidly count the number of micro electronic components. In addition, it is possible to track loss of electronic components generated between processes by accurately and rapidly counting the electronic components.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pretreatment apparatus that performs concentration and separation of a sample, and in particular, in order to provide a sample pretreatment apparatus using a solid-phase extraction column, and a mass spectrometer using the same, which is particularly suitable for clinical analysis in which qualitative/quantitative analysis of a biological sample such as blood is performed, according to each operational step for a solid-phase extraction treatment, for example, a collection device serving as flow passages or containers for collection of waste liquid or extracted matter is installed on a bottom face of the solid-phase extraction column, and the extracted matter is separately collected without being mixed with waste liquid by switching the positions of the collection device.

Abstract: An apparatus for aerosol collection and fluid analysis includes a rotary motor, an aerosol-collection disk configured for mounting on the rotary motor, and a fluid-analysis disk that is also configured for mounting on the rotary motor. The aerosol-collection disk includes at least one interior inlet, at least one peripheral outlet and a passage coupling the interior inlet with the peripheral outlet, and a particle collector opposite the peripheral outlet. The fluid-analysis disk includes at least one fluid in each of a first reservoir and in a second reservoir on or in the fluid-analysis disk and offset from a central axis of the disk, wherein each reservoir has an outlet and a stopper in the outlet of each reservoir to seal the reservoirs; and release of the fluids from the reservoirs is spin-induced.

Abstract: Textured heterogeneous surfaces and related articles as can be used in conjunction with methods for selective sensing and/or separation. When used for selective particle separation such a system can comprise a heterogeneous surface comprising a surface member and a plurality of components extending therefrom, such components spaced about and having a surface density, with heterogeneity comprising different interactions of the surface member and of the extended components with a particle exposed thereto. Various surface heterogeneities and different interactions can be utilized. However, in certain embodiments, competing electrostatic interactions, or a combination of electrostatic and non-electrostatic interactions, with a particle can be utilized. Such a system can utilize a surface member having a charge difference with respect to the components extending therefrom.

Abstract: A ductless fume hood suitable for the removal of various chemical materials including toxic and non-toxic gases, vapors, particles, dust and unpleasant odors from a fluid stream. The ductless fume hood uses electronic devices and software to enable real time monitoring of gas levels in parts per million.

Abstract: Sample application systems can include an extraction mechanism to remove a sample from sample containers, a sample vessel disposed on a deployment mechanism, where the deployment mechanism is arranged to move the sample vessel to receive a sample, an extraction mechanism washing station to wash the extraction mechanism, a sample applicator to remove a portion of the sample in the sample vessel and apply it onto a sample carrier, where the deployment mechanism can move the sample vessel to a sample application position, a sample vessel washing station to wash the sample vessel, where the deployment mechanism can move the sample vessel to the sample vessel washing station, a sample applicator washing station to wash the sample applicator after the sample has been dispensed onto the sample carrier, and a fluid control system to control flow of a fluid provided to the extraction mechanism and the sample applicator.

Abstract: An apparatus for chemical separations includes a first substantially rigid microfluidic substrate defining a first fluidic port; a second substantially rigid microfluidic substrate defining a second fluidic port; and a coupler disposed between the first and second substrates, the coupler defining a fluidic path in fluidic alignment with the ports of the first and second substrates. The coupler includes a material that is deformable relative to a material of the first substrate and a material of the second substrate. The substrates are clamped together to compress the coupler between the substrates and form a fluid-tight seal.

Abstract: A fluid separation device includes a holding member which holds a first fluid sample and a light source which casts light with a specific wavelength onto the holding member. When the first fluid sample contains a specific substance, a maximum value L1 of absorptivity at which the specific substance absorbs the light with the specific wavelength and an absorptivity L2 at which another substance in the first fluid sample than the specific substance absorbs the light with the specific wavelength satisfy L1>L2, and an absorptivity L3 at which the holding member absorbs the light with the specific wavelength satisfies L3<L1.

Abstract: A method and tube for separating a sample. The tube is configured to separate agglomerated or clumped material or other sample components having over a particular size from other smaller size portions of the sample. For example, blood clots may be separated from serum of a blood sample. The tube includes a chamber with a closed bottom and a sidewall extending upwardly from the bottom, and a sample inlet branch coupled to the chamber. A slit is positioned between the chamber and the sample inlet branch so that after a sample is placed into the sample inlet branch, a portion of the sample having a size smaller than the slit (e.g., liquid material) passes through the slit and into the chamber, and material in the sample having a size larger than the slit remains in the sample inlet branch.

Abstract: A device for sampling chemical compounds from fixed surfaces and related methods are disclosed. The device may include a vacuum source, a chamber and a sorbent material. The device may utilize vacuum extraction to volatilize the chemical compounds from the fixed surfaces so that they may be sorbed by the sorbent material. The sorbent material may then be analyzed using conventional thermal desorption/gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (TD/GC/MS) instrumentation to determine presence of the chemical compounds. The methods may include detecting release and presence of one or more chemical compounds and determining the efficacy of decontamination. The device may be useful in collection and analysis of a variety of chemical compounds, such as residual chemical warfare agents, chemical attribution signatures and toxic industrial chemicals.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided that can be attached to a well to obtain samples of produced liquids. A vessel has an upper port, a lower port and a side port. Produced fluids enter the vessel through the side port. Natural gas associated with the produced fluids exits the vessel through the upper port, and is directed into a vapor recovery or other similar gas handling system and is not permitted to escape into the surrounding environment. Samples of produced liquids (and any accompanying solids) are obtained from the vessel through the lower port.

Abstract: A method of recording data relating to the posture of a subject and assessing the data so as to categorize said data into activities, including sitting, walking and standing. The method comprises sensing the movement of the thigh by use of a single sensor; recording the movement of the thigh; and processing the data so as to classify the data into discrete ones of said activities.

Abstract: A system for presenting a crop sample to a crop property sensor is in particular suited for a harvesting machine and comprises a bypass line branching off from a crop feeding assembly, a conveyor for feeding the branched-off crop through the bypass line without damaging the crop, and a crop property sensor for sensing one or more properties of the crop in the bypass line. The bypass line is upwardly angled or extends vertical, such that the conveyor elevates the material from the crop guiding channel to the crop property sensor.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of diagnosing multiple disorders and distinguishing there between using a plasma sample obtained from a plasma separator device and analyzing the plasma sample using an LC-MS/MS to detect at least two analyte levels in the plasma sample to diagnose one or more disorders.

Abstract: There is provided a sample collection container, a sample collection apparatus, and a sample collection method used in a supercritical fluid system capable of collecting a multi-constituent sample contained in a supercritical fluid at low cost and high collection efficiency. The pressure of a supercritical fluid containing a sample is reduced to a pressure close to the atmospheric pressure, and the depressurized supercritical fluid is forced to undergo adiabatic expansion to form gas-phase CO2 containing a liquid component in the form of aerosol. The gas-phase CO2 is fractionated for each constituent of the contained sample, transferred to a probe 60 of Liquid Handler, and dispensed into a large number of collection vials 300 under the atmospheric pressure, each of which is provided with a vial cap 100.

Abstract: A method for fractionating particles includes flowing a fluid having particles therein along a first channel, applying acoustic radiation pressure to the fluid, focusing the particles within the fluid into a single file line, moving the particles in a flow rate, applying acoustic radiation pressure to the fluid for a second time, focusing the particles based on size and acoustic contrast, producing at least two fluid fractions of the particles, and collecting at least one of the fractions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for substance mixtures, particularly complex chemical and/or biochemical substance mixtures. According to said method, a substance mixture that is to be analyzed is fed to a separating device, the substances of the substance mixture that is to be analyzed are separated from each other in the separating device by means of a chemically and/or physically induced conveying process, and the separated substances are detected in an evaluation unit. The invention further relates to methods and devices for producing pulsed substance mixtures, particularly complex chemical and/or biochemical substance mixtures. In order to improve the analysis of substance mixtures especially regarding the duration of the analysis, the throughput, and the resolution, the substance mixture that is to be analyzed is fed to the separating device in pulses having an unique binary sequence.

Abstract: A method is provided for determining the presence and/or concentration of at least one contaminant in a subsurface at a test site. The method generally includes inserting a sampling assembly into at least one tree at the test site, processing at least part of the sampling assembly to determine if a contaminant is present in the at least one tree, and then correlating the presence and/or concentration of the contaminant in the at least one tree to presence and/or concentration of the contaminant in the subsurface. The sampling assembly is operable to sorb at least one contaminant located within the at least one tree to at least part of the sampling assembly. The sampling assembly may include a solid phase microextraction (SPME) sampling assembly having a SPME sampling device and a support configured to help position the SPME sampling device within a tree for sampling operation.

Abstract: A disposable cartridge is described which is equipped with a plurality of microfabricated particle sorting structures. The disposable cartridge may include passageways which connect fluid reservoirs in the cartridge with corresponding microfluidic passageways on the particle sorting structure. A flexible gasket may prevent leakages and allow the fluid to cross the gasket barrier through a plurality of holes in the gasket, allowing fluid to be transferred from the reservoirs to the microfabricated particle sorting structures. The plurality of particle sorting structures may be arranged in the disposable cartridge in order to perform multiple separation operations, such as a sequential or parallel sorting operation.

Abstract: A system of sampling a fluid comprises a fluid separator having a central axis. The fluid separator includes an insulating sleeve. In addition the fluid separator includes a separator assembly coaxially disposed within the sleeve. Further, the fluid separator includes an annulus radially disposed between the sleeve and the separator assembly. The separator assembly includes a conduit, a support rod coaxially disposed within the conduit, and a plurality of separator members coupled to the support rod within the conduit.

Abstract: A method and its possible embodiments are presented for collecting airborne biological and non-biological agents and concentrating them into small amounts of liquid. Airborne particles are drawn into the sampler and by the action of an electrostatic field are deposited on the collection electrode covered with superhydrophobic substance (surface contact angle >150°). At the end of the sampling period a small liquid droplet (5-60 ?L) is injected at the top of the sampling chamber. Since the sampler is positioned at an angle to the horizontal, the droplet rolls-off of collection electrode's surface under the force of gravity and removes the deposited particles. The droplet is then collected by a liquid capture system. The particles concentrated in such small amounts of liquid facilitate sample analysis by various techniques. The suggested sampler's embodiments achieve sample concentration rates higher than 1×106/min which will allow detection of very low particle concentrations.

Abstract: A material sorting system is disclosed. The system has an electrical charge device arranged to produce electrical charging conditions for substantially all particles of a material sample such that an electrical charge at least partially dependent on particle capacitance is imparted to one or more particles, and a particle delivery device operably connected to the electrical charge device and arranged to cause the one or more particles to move along a flowpath. The system also has a deflection device arranged to cause each particle to deviate from the flowpath an amount at least partially dependent on the electrical charge imparted to the particle, and a collection device in fluid communication with the deflection device. The collection device is arranged to collect the one or more particles at one or more locations corresponding to the amount of deviation of the one or more particles from the flowpath. A corresponding method is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for contaminant detection in the food industry. Particularly, the method and apparatus involve collecting air samples containing aerosolized contaminate particles from a foodstuff and analyzing the sample for presence of a contaminate. Aerosol lab-on-a-chip and/or electronic nose devices are utilized for the detection of contaminant particles.

Abstract: Chemical sampling systems and methods that can inexpensively and efficiently provide accurate chemical sampling in dusty environments are disclosed. The system can include a chemical detector, an elastomeric membrane, and a support structure for the elastomeric membrane. The gas chromatograph can have a sample inlet through which chemicals from the gaseous environment can enter the gas chromatograph. The sample inlet can be covered with the elastomeric membrane, the elastomeric membrane being configured to extract chemicals from the gaseous environment while excluding dust and other particles from passing into the gas chromatograph. The support structure can be disposed between the elastomeric membrane and the sample inlet and can provide mechanical support to the elastomeric membrane.

Abstract: A device and process for separating liquid and gas phases in a flowstream containing a liquefied gas or supercritical fluid under pressure mixed with a liquid. A splitter vessel separates the liquid from gas phases and transfers liquid to a collection container while conducting the gas phase out of the splitter. Separation of liquid phase out of the flowstream is provided without additional pressure schemes or solvent extractions imposed on the stream.

Abstract: A filter assembly for use in sidestream gas sampling assembly. The filter assembly of the present invention includes a hydrophilic. The filter further includes a Hydrophobic member positioned downstream of the hydrophilic liner. The hydrophobic disk acts as a second line of defense against moisture reaching the sensing mechanism member that is constructed from a porous material and is situated such that gas entering the filter assembly passes through at least a portion the hydrophilic member. In a further embodiment, the filter includes a hydrophobic member positioned downstream of the hydrophilic member. The hydrophobic member acts as a second line of defense against moisture reaching the sensing mechanism in the gas sampling assembly.

Abstract: Provided are devices and methods for the collection of bioaerosols (such as viruses, bacteria, and proteins) from the exhaled breath of humans and/or animals, for the purpose of determining, for example, particle size, generation rate, diseases and interventions for particle release.

Abstract: It is an object of the invention to improve the current QuEChERS technology. In one aspect of the invention, the buffer-salt powder mixture of the first stage of the QuEChERS process is compressed into a solid dosage form before it is used in the first stage of the QuEChERS process. Replacing the QuEChERS powders (the buffer-salt powder mixture of the first stage of the QuEChERS process) with solid aliquots eliminates the need for using centrifuge tubes for packaging the product.